6 reasons to ski Niseko

6 reasons to ski Niseko this season

6 reasons to ski in Niseko

Winter is nearly here, and we can’t wait to be back on the snow! We think Niseko is great, and the World Ski Awards agree, awarding it Japan’s Best Ski Resort in 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013. If you’re not completely convinced yet, here are six reasons why you should visit Niseko this season. 6 reasons to ski in Niseko

Easy access!

Whether you’re here on Hokkaido or on the other side of the world, Niseko has good transport connections.

You can drive here in two hours from Sapporo, which also has rail links to Niseko Station from the city and airport. Trains run to Niseko from Hakodate too. Another option is the Niseko Bus, which serves the Niseko resorts, Sapporo city and Sapporo Chitoise airport.

From further afield, you can fly from other Japanese cities and airports in China, Korea and Thailand directly to Sapporo Chitoise airport. There are also all kinds of connecting flights available which means those who live in other continents have no excuses: making it as simple as possible, package providers like sno holidays combine flights (often via Tokyo, Beijing and Singapore – letting you combine a city break if you want to) with Niseko accommodation and transport between the resort and airport.

Quality snow!

Each winter, wind blows over the Sea of Japan from Eurasia, gathering moisture as it goes. When it reaches Hokkaido, snow clouds are formed, which sprinkle down the most wonderful dry, fluffy powder. Around fifteen meters of snow falls on Niseko in a season, which creates absolutely incredible skiing! The backcountry is some of the best on earth, which is why we love guiding here

Mountain variety!

Niseko’s backcountry is renowned, making it a top destination for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking thrills and challenges. But its beginner offerings are excellent too, with green trails in abundance around Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village. There’s just as good opportunity for intermediates, in the form of red runs all over the mountain.

Awesome culture!

Niseko is a superb location to experience traditional Japanese Onsen. If you haven’t heard of them before, Onsen are hot volcanic springs, filled with nourishing minerals. The outdoor ones –rotenburo – are surrounded by snow in the winter months. A soak makes for a unique and relaxing after-ski activity, and a great way to immerse yourself in local culture.

Another excellent way to sample Niseko culture is eating the food, which is so good Vogue dedicated a whole article to it last season! Hokkaido island is nicknamed Japan’s breadbasket for its produce, and the locally grown vegetables and freshly caught seafood are made into delicious regional dishes like ramen and okonomiyaki pancakes. Trust us when we say eating here is something for your bucket list!

All kinds of activities!

With four ski resorts in the Niseko United group, there’s a huge mix of things to do. Though Japan’s ski resorts aren’t known for their nightlife, Niseko is the exception with Hirafu’s bars giving plenty of opportunity for drinks, dance and karaoke. If you want some quiet time, a soak in a traditional Onsen will leave you feeling pampered. Or if you can’t get enough of the outdoors, activities include winter horse riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow rafting and snow tubing.

Nearby resorts!

There are more resorts to explore within easy travelling distance if you fancy a change of scenery. Propeak’s Travel Day experiences will transport you to and guide you around resorts like snowy Kiroro, tree-lined Rusutsu and quiet Kokusai. Get in touch for more information! 6 reasons to ski in Niseko!